BYPENN STATE ALTOONA SIFE

Résumé Workshop

Résumé

Summarizes: Education Employment Skills and Qualifications Awards, Honors, and Activities

Provides information an employer uses in selecting a candidate to hire

Résumé Formats

Chronological Lists work history starting with most recent Places emphasis on past employment

Many employers prefer chronological résumés

Your NameStreet Address

City, State Zip CodePhone number

E-mail

EDUCATIONList education in reverse chronological order – most recent first. Keep the information easy to scan.

EXPERIENCE• List experiences in reverse chronological order. If you have a mixture of experiences, you can break it down into different categories, such as Work Experience and Volunteer Experience.• Use action verbs to show details of your accomplishments and responsibilities.• Include information and skills that relate to the position you are seeking.• Consolidate information when possible; avoid repetition and excessive details when describing experiences – be concise.

SKILLS, QUALIFIC•You may want to consider a specific skills section to highlight skills you have on specific computer hardware or software or other related skills.

AWARDS, HONORS, ACTIVITIES• List any awards or honors that you have received.• List any activities that you have participated in.

Résumé Fundamentals

1-2 pages typed (preferably 1 page) If second page is needed, be sure to include your name on the

page Use specific, easy to read information

Font size 10-12 point font

Font style Arial or Times New Roman

Spacing/Margins Double-space between each sub-heading Margins should range from .75 inches to 1 inch

Paper Cream, beige, or white bonded paper

Setting up a Résumé

Main heading Include name, address, telephone number, and e-

mail address Professional e-mail address and voicemail/answering

machine message

Education Include name and location of schools you

attended, the dates you attended, fields of study, and degrees or certificates you have received

Setting up a Résumé

Work experience or employment history Begin with the most recent and work backwards Emphasize your responsibilities and transferable

skills Include:

Employer’s name, city, and state Dates of employment Most important job title Duties and responsibilities you had on the job (be

specific)

Setting up a Résumé

Skills List skills that you can use when you are on the

job Include exceptional traits

Works well under stress Fast-learner

Awards, Honors, and Activities List any awards or honors that you have received List any activities that you have participated in

* Upon completion of this program, you may list it either here or under Education.

Sample Action verbs

GeneratedCoordinatedDevelopedMaintainedManagedSupervisedProducedOperated

PreparedOrderedEstablishedAssistedDirectedCollectedMonitoredParticipated

Reference Page

Professional References Previous employers Volunteer supervisors

Be sure to contact your references to ask permission before using them as a reference

References are listed on a separate page, but should be available

Reference Page

Your NameStreet Address

City, State Zip CodePhone number

E-mail

References

Reference #1 NameCompanyAddress

City, State Zip CodePhone numberE-mail address

Reference #2 NameCompanyAddress

City, State Zip CodePhone numberE-mail address

Cover Letter

Your AddressCity, State Zip CodeDate of Letter

Employer’s NameTitleCompany/OrganizationAddressCity, State Zip Code

Dear,

First Paragraph: Indicate the reason for writing, the specific position or type of work for which you are applying, and the way youlearned about the position opening or the company.

Second Paragraph: Explain why you are interested in the particular position, the company or organization, and the products/services of the

organization. Above all, indicate what you can do for the company – tell them how you can benefit their company and what you can do for them.

If you have had some practical work experience, point out special achievements or qualifications that relate to the advertised position.

Third Paragraph: Indicate your desire for a personal interview at their convenience. Indicate the best time to contact you and include your

phone number.

Sincerely,

Name

Enclosure

Thank You!

Any Questions?

*This information, in part, has been adapted from Penn State Altoona Career Services